Register today and join the Fox Valley Healthcare Readiness Coalition (FV-HERC) and other community organizations to learn more about the impact of the opioid crisis and other substance use on our community, learn about available resources to help families/individuals, and strategies for effective education, prevention and treatment on the opioid epidemic.

This event is targeted towards the first responder community to include but not limited to: law enforcement, EMS, paramedics, volunteer first responders, emergency departments, and fire
departments. Recovery, faith-based and community-service organizations are also encouraged to attend.

Summit Schedule

(subject to change)

Breakout Descriptions:

Breakout 1- Overdose Response and Scene Safety Presenters will share information on the signs of overdose, discuss how to respond to drug overdoses and scene safety. The presenter will also share information on resources to learn more.

Breakout 2 – Referral to Help and Local ResourcesFirst responders and community members will learn more about the treatment process, from assessment to recovery. This session will discuss some barriers to treatment, cost, insurance, and options when a person has no insurance. Panelists will provide suggestions on how to refer individuals to get the help they need, and what community resources are available including recovery coaches and peer support.

Breakout 3 – Communication Strategies You will learn communication techniques that are useful to an individual seeking help, what you can say following an overdose resuscitation, and how to converse in a thoughtful and supportive manner. Panelists will share experiences and suggestions about interacting with a person addicted and/or family members about how encouragement, support, belief, and hope matter in a person’s life.

Breakout 4 – Treatment Options, Services, and ChallengesPresenters will share information on various treatment options for substance use disorder, including in-patient, out-patient, and medication assisted treatment (MAT). The panelists will discuss what happens in treatment; 1-1 counseling, group counseling, and support groups.

Breakout 5 – Recovery SupportYou will learn information on recovery including what recovery is, what the process looks like, the support needed for success, and who needs to be involved. Presenters will share information on sober living, role of recovery coaching, and how caregivers, employers, and community members can be more supportive of people in recovery.

Breakout 6 –Substance Use and the Law, Improving Treatment AccessThis breakout will share information on the role of law enforcement, the court system, community-based supervision, and their role of assisting access to treatment.

Breakouts are repeated twice to allow attendees to attend multiple breakouts during the morning and afternoon sessions.

For example: An attendee may attend Breakout 1 at 10:30 a.m., then attend Breakout 2 OR 3 at 11:30 a.m.